Sheet tearing device



SHEET TEARING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 4, 1949 mm mm m 9 EN hi m5 m w b, a N k ml 2 Q4 W T m .i .m .k

NQ $5 mi ob iu .Q :N .K .1

lVe/s H. Sana berg Henry 0. Form/n7 @w m. am k May 26,1953 N. H. SANDBERG ETAL' SHEET Twine-Davies 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 4, 1949 M t mo m 0 Henr' B5 May 26, 1953 N. SANDBERG ETAL ,77

SHEET TEARING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Shet 4 Filed Feb. 4, 194 9 QNN /Ve/.s hf Sandbar! m P i W M y 1953 N. H. SANDBERG ET AL 2,639,772

. SHEET TEARING DEVICE I Filed Feb. 4, 1949 $5 Sheets-Sheet 6 F 7 Zvwwwkyo Ive/S H Sandbery I a Y Hen/5r 0. Form/n POW 013mg Patented May 26, 1953 apolis, Min'in, assignors to Waldorf Paper'ProductsCompany; St-.- Paul, Minn.; a' corporation of'Minns ot ApplicationFebruary 4, 1949;se iaintfii4;688 f' our invention "relates to an M improvement in sheet tearing device whereinlit is esired to provide a means of separating a primee sneet into a series of smaller units and placing the sheets in a predetermined relationship; 'I'

Cartons are'ofte'n printed in sheetsconsi 1 ei'able size and these shetsarelatercut to form the individual cartons, In the cutting operation it is usually necessary" to; have the cartons com nected together to a suflicient extent so that the sheet of cartons mayube handled' asi'ajunit. The sheets are then s'tack'ed'in superimposed relation and are stripped to remov waste'j stockTfrOrh about the cartons and to separate the cartons one from another. If the cartons "are out entirely apart by the cutting apparatus jth'ey are difiicult to handle and stack. 1 Y During recent yearslit has beenicommon practice for many concerns to "print a'{ seriesfof car tons each having .aj'differentf,designfthere'up'on. For example the cartons may eachjbe printed with a 'different'mask orpuzzle tojprovideamusement after the contents of th'ecart'on have'be'en used. In order to provide the necessary variation each of the cartons of a series is different from the other cartons of fthe'series; Inorder that the cartons whensupplied to a dealer include all of the variousde'signs rather than a single one or two designs, it isnecessary' to sort the'cartons so that they will be maintainedin series. This mixing or sorting of the various cartons would be extremely diificult if the sheets are stacked and stripped the'usual manneras all of the cartons of each stack -lvo'uld then be similar and it would be necessary to place the cartons in series after'they haveloeen'stripped; A feature of the present invention lies inthe provision of a cuttingjpress having a means tor separating a sheet of cartons into the individual cartons and in grouping the cartons of the sheet together in a predetermined succession .so that the various cartons of the series "will be in proper consecutive orderj Thus when leaving the machine each individual series of cartons will be similarly arranged and the cartons willbe stacked in a desired consecutive order. A feature of the present inventionlies inthe manner in which the, sheet is separated. The sheet of cartonsis cut by the. cutting press in such a manner that the individual cartons of the sheet are connected together by'w'eakened areas of connection. The sheet passes hetweenapair of rollers which'hold thejca'rtons from relative movement. The forwardedge of thesheetthen passes between pairof rollerswhich are" spaced 11 Claims}, (01. 164-845) apart during a portion of the time and which'are drawn' togetherint'o" engagement with the sheet at timedintervals. This second set of rollers is travelling at a speed excess of the speed of the first named rollers and when in engagement with the sheet tends to pull the forward portion of the sheetfrom the remainder of the sheet. The first and second series of rollers are spaced in such a ma n -mar when the first rollers are engaging thefir'st'row of' cartons on the sheet, the'second rollers ar holding the second series of cartons from relative movement. Similarly as the second set orrollers engages the second row of cartons, the first rollers are holding the third set of cartons from relative movement. Similarly as each row of cartons passes between, and is engaged by, the second rollers the-next following series of cartons are being held by'the first series of rollers so as to separate oneseries of'cartons from the next;

Ajfurther'feature of the present invention lies in the provision'of a conveyor which moves transversely to the movement of the sheet as it leaves the cutting press and conveys the rows of cartons to a second-separating means. Thisconveyor travels at aspeed whic'h is so proportioned to thespeed of travel of the cartons, leaving the cuttingpress'so that thebartons are stacked one abovethe otheras they move in a transverse direction. A's arest r the cartons of each row may be "separated into'indivi'dual cartons-by a second cartonse'parating'means'. I

A feature of the present inventio'nlies inproportioning thespeed of the transverse conveyor andthe speed'of the'c'a'rtonsleaving the cutting press-so thatas each row of cartons moves transver'sely, the distance of movement of the first row ofIcartons issuch as to permit the next row of cartons to coincide in position with certain of the cartons'of the'first row. In other words, the first row of cartons may be'moved a; sufficient distance so that the first carton of the second row coincides in position and' overlies the second carton ofth'e first row? Similarly the first carton of the third row "may coincide with "thethird carton of the first row 'and the second cartonof the second row; Asiagresul'tthepartons are arranged one upon the other andthereforetmay. be separated into individualicartonsbyroller means similar to those previouslydescribed." .I t is aiurthertfeature of the present .inven' tion to provide a second series of rollers which are so spaced as to enable the individual cartons to be pulled apart from their respective rows. A-first pair of rollers isprovided for engagement with the'cartons'asthey pass between the A seeoridsenesbf rollers is arranged in spaced relation to the first series and rotate at a higher rate of speed. This second series of rollers is moved together and apart at timed intervals and the timing is such that as each carton or series of cartons passes between the rollers of this series, these cartons are engaged and moved .forwardlyat a speed greater than the speed of the 'preceding cartons .held by \the rollers of the first series. As a result the first carton or cartons of the rows are torn apart from the next adjacent cartons and this same action continues throughout the length of 'ltime the cartons are passing between .the rollers.

An added feature of the presentinventionjlies in the ease with which the mechanism maybe adjusted to compensate for cartons of various sizes. The rollers of each second series of cartons are geared to travel at -a higher rate of speed than the rollers of each first series. The rollers of the second series are moved together and apart by means of a cam. By changing the cam or the gear ratio connecting .the cam to the drive mechanism, the frequency .of movement of the second series of rollers toward and away from each other may be varied to regulate the frequency at which the second series of rollers engage the sheet.

These and other objects and novel features of our .invention will be more clearly and .fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

'In the drawings forming .a part of our specification:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of our sorting apparatus showing the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is aside elevational view of .theside of .the first unit for tearing the sheet into rows of cartons and showing .the conveyor for conveying the rows of cartons to the second unit.

Figure 3 is a top plan view showing theconnection between the first unit .and the second unit.

.Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the second .unit for tearing the rows of cartons into individual cartons.

.Figure 5 .is a diagrammatic sectional view through the spaced rollers of the first unit showing the manner of separating the sheets.

Figure .6 is a perspective view of one of the guides used in conjunction with the conveyor for changing the direction of motion .of the sheets.

.Figure '7 is a diagrammatic view of a sheet showing the arrangement ofcartons thereupon.

Figure 8 is adiagrammatic .view showing the arrangement of the cartons as they leave :the apparatus.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic sectional viewindicating the relative position of the rollers .of the second unit.

The sorting apparatus is indicated .in general by the numeralfi and is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the'drawings. The cutting press is not shown in detail as this press may .be any of aseriesof types of cutting press which cut sheets into .various shapes and crease the sheets. For the purpose of illustration the body of the cutting .press has been eliminated and :the :discharge conveyor II! of -'the cutting press is shown.

As shown inthis figure the sheets ll travel upon the conveyor 1'0 toward a first separating unit indicated in general by the numeral 12. The unit 12 acts to divi'dethe sheet H into a .a discharge conveyor 19.

"750i thedrawings. shows the sheet which is partially cut into the 4. series of rows of cartons indicated in general by the numerals l3, l4, and I5. These rows of cartons are deposited in overlapping relation upon a conveyor device illustrated generally by the numeral 16. The conveyor i5 delivers the rows of cartons to a second carton separating apparatus indicated in .general by the ,numeral .41. This-unit ii'lseparates-tthe eartons into individual carton blanks and deposits them upon For the purpose of explanation the carton sheet is shown in Figure This figure diagrammatically carton rows 13, Hand l5 which are connected ;by small areas .of .connection along the separating lines 20 and 2|. The sheet II is shown as also divided into five rows of cartons longitu'dinally of the sheet as it moves toward the first separating unit I2. The cartons of the first row are indicated by the letters A, B, C, D, and E respectively. The cartons of the second row are identifiedby the letters B, Cf, D, E and F, respectively. The cartons of the third row l5 are identified by the letters 0', D", E, F" and G".

The arrangementof'ithe various rollers of the first unit I2 is illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings. In this figure will be found a conveyor roller or pulley 2.2 which supports the outer extremity of the discharge conveyor it of .the cutting press. The conveyor I0 is of theendless belt type and merely carries the sheets 11 from the cutting press to the unit J2. Figure 12 also illustrates a pair of rollers 23 and '24 which engage the top and bottom surfaces respectively of the sheet II as the sheet'isfed between these rollers by the conveyor [0. One or both .of the rollers 23 is provided with .a friction surface such .as the sleeve ,of rubber or composition, this sleeve being indicated at 25 on roller 23 and indicated at :26 on roller .24. The rollers 23 and 24 rotates at proper speed so that the surface thereof travelsat substantiallythe same speedas the sheets II uponthe conveyor It.

A pair of guide rollersllandi areprovided above and belowthe sheet .2 I asitleaves the rollers 23 and 24, these rollers .2? and 'ZQbeinga-rranged merely to guide the sheetto the second set ofrollers indicated at. 30 and'3i. .Therollers 3.0 andS! are preferablyprovided with afriction surface such as the sleeves 32 and 33'of rub-her or compositionsothat these rollers may grip the sheets Hfirmly as-they pass between the same. The rollersfil and 29arepreferably provided with smooth. exteriorsurfaces so that the sheet may slide between the sameif the pulling pressure upon. the sheet is sufficient.

The means of driving the variousrollersis-best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. This figure illustrates a drive chain 3% whichengages a sprocket 35 upon the roller shaft 35 of rollerr l. The drive chain .35 rotates the sprocket 35 in a direction to turn the shaft. 355 andtlzle-rollerld in. aclockwise direction. A gear 3'! on the shaft 36 engages a similar ,sizedgeariiilon the roller shaft 40 of the roller 23,,causing rotation of the shaft 40 and roller 23in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings.

A gear! is in mesh with the gear 39 and acts as an idler gear torotate a gear. on theshaft 43 of the roller 2?. A gear 4% on theroller shaft :35 of the roller 29 is in mesh with .the gear 4.2. Counter-clockwise movement of the roller gear 39 rotates the idle gear Al in clockwise direction and therefore drives ,theroller shaft 43 in a counter-clockwise direction and drives the roller shaft 45 in a clockwise direction. As a result the roller 21 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction and the roller 29 is rotated in a clockwise direction. I A

A gear 46 on the roller drive shaft 36 engages an idle gear 41 on a, stub shaft 49. .A gear 59 rotated with the idle gear 49 engages a cooperable gear 5| on the roller shaft 52 of the roller 3|. The gear 5| rotates a similar .gear 53 on the roller shaft 54 of the roller 39. The'idle gears 41 and 59 are rotated in a clockwise direction, thereby rotating the gear 5| and roll-er 3| ina clockwise direction for rotating the gear 53 and the roller 39 in a counter-clockwise direction. The ears 5| and 53 are so arranged that the rollers 39 and 3| and. the gears 5| and 53 may be moved apart to some extent without disengaging the gears, it being necessary to space the rollers sufficiently so that they do not engage the sheet II. It will also be noted that an angular adjustment may be made between the idle gears 41 and 59 as indicated by the adjusting members 55. I

As indicated in Figure 2 of the drawings the arm 56 is supported for rotation about the axis of the roller shaft 49. A threaded pin 51 on this arm 56 extends through a slot 59 in the side frame 69 of the unit I2 so as to hold the arm 56 in angularly adjusted relationship. The arm 56 supports a bearing 6| for rotatably supporting a gear 62 which is in mesh with thegear 39. A' second gear 63 is secured to the gear 62 for rotation in unison therewith and this second gear 63 is in mesh with a gear 64 on a shaft 65. A cam 66 is secured to the gear 64 for rotation in unison therewith. By changing the size of the gear, 63 the speed of rotation of the shaft 65 and the cam 66 may be regulated so that thecam will operate in properly timed relation to the speed of the rollers. .The cam 66 is preferably adjustable relative to the gear 63 so that the timing of the cam may be regulated. As indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings the cam 66 may be provided with arcuate slots 61 for the accommodation of fastening .bolts 69 which may serve to connect th cam to the gear 63 or to a flange connected to this gear 63.

A rocker arm 19 is pivotally supported about a shaft H to oscillate about the axis of this shaft. A cam follower roller 12 is pivotally supported at 13 upon one end of the rocker arm 19, this roller 12 following the contourof the cam 66. The ends of a pair of oppositely disposed arms 68 are pivotally connected at 14 to yokes 15 on one end of links 16. The links 16 are either connected to cross heads 11 supporting the bearing for each end of the roller 39 or are connected to pressure plates 19 for compressing a spring 99 against the upper surface of the cross heads 11 to urge the cross heads downwardly. Springs 8| are provided between the cross heads 11 supporting the bearings of the roller shaft 54 of the roller 39 and the relatively fixed bearing 92 supporting each end of the roller shaft 52 at opposite endsof the roller 3 I. In such an event the operation of the rocker arm 19 relieves tension upon the spring 89 so that the cross head 11 is moved upwardly by the spring 8|. This arrangement provides a resilient force compressing the rollers 39 and 3| together in one position of the rocker arm for relieving the pressure therebetween so that they may be separated by the spring 8| in th other extreme position of the rocker arm 19. v

With reference now to Figures 1 and2. of the drawings it will be noted that the conveyor belt I6 is supported at one end by a conveyor roller or pulley 83 supported on the mechanism frame by bearings 84 and is supported at its other end by a similar pulley or roller 85 supported by bearings 86. The conveyor I6 moves in a direction at right angles to the direction of movement of the conveyor I9, thereby changing the direction of movement of the rows of carton blanks delivered thereto. The rows of carton blanks are stopped in their forward movement provided by the conveyor I9 and the rollers 23, 24, 39 and 3| by stops best illustrated in Figures 2 and 6 of the drawings. A series of vertically spaced supports 81 are vertically adjustably connected to the frame bybrackets 89. .Set screws 99 in these brackets 99 .hold the vertical supports 81 at the proper elevation. At their upper extremities the supports 81 are provided with transversely extending bearings 9| which are apertured to accommodate arms 92 which support a bar 93 extending longitudinally of the conveyor I6. The bar 93 is adjustable toward or away from the longitudinal center of the conveyor I6 and may be held at the desired location by set screws 94 in the bearings 9| which engage the rods 92. At spaced points throughout the length of the 'bar 93 we provide brackets 95 which include a base portion 96 extending transversely of the conveyor I6 and having upwardly extending flanges 91 and 99 at opposite ends thereof. The flange 91 engages against one side of the bar 93 and a flange I99 overlies thebar 93. A. set screw I9I extends through the flange I99 and against the bar 93 to hold the bracket95 in adjusted position on the bar 93.

As indicated in Figure 6 of the drawings the base 96 of the. bracket 95 is slotted at'I92 to accommodate a rocker arm I93. The pivot I94 extends through the rocker Iarm I93 and through opposite sidesof the slot I92 to pivotally support the arm I93 for rocking movement within certain limitations. A spring I95 is provided in the bracket 95 which tends to, urge the rocker arm I93 in clockwise direction as view'ed in Figures 5 and 6. Av strong spring I96 engages against the arm I93 and limits the upward movement of the arm in the opposite direction.

A shaft I91 is provided on the end of the arm I93 for supporting a substantially semi-spherical roller I99. Each roller has its periphery in engagement with the conveyor I6 and is shaped in such a manner that the rows of cartons will not pass entirely between the rollers I99 and the conveyor I6. In other words, these rollers I99 act to stop the movement of the carton rows in onedirection and to start the movement thereof in a direction at right angles upon the conveyor I6. Both ends of the rollers forming a part of the unit I2 operate in a similar manner, although itis not essential that both ends of the rollers be equipped with all of the gears described. The shaft 65 on which the cam 66 is mounted may extend. from one side to theother of the unit I2 so that a cam 66'may be provided at each side of the unit. Both sides of the unit are provided with rocker arms 19 for the associated mechanism so that the rollers 39 may be moved upwardly and downwardly simultaneously.

A drive chain II9 connects a sprocket on the drive shaft 36 to the cooperable sprocket III on one end of a shaft 2 extending from one side of the unit lz'to the oppositeside thereof. As

9 between the carton rows Hand I passes between the slower rollers 23 and 24, the rollers 30 and 3| are moved together by the cam 66 and these rollers which travel at a higher rate of speed are engaged with the carton row I4. As a result the carton row I4 is pulled away from the carton row I5 which is held constant speed by the rollers 23 and 4 and the carton row It is embedded over the conveyor It to overlap the carton row I3 previously directed upon this conveyor.

As indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings, by the time the carton row It is propelled against the rollers I09 the conveyor I6 has moved the carton row I3 a distance equal to the width of one or I more of the cartons of row I3. In the particular instance illustrated when the row I4 comes to rest upon the carton row I3, the carton B lies over the carton B and both of the cartons are approximately in registry. It is important that one carton lie substantially over another as the superimposed cartons are later pulled apart along the weakened lines of separation separating the individual cartons of the row. I

As the carton row l5 passes between the rollers 30 and 3!, it is in turn propelled against the conveyor rollers I09 and by the time this third row I5 is deposited upon the carton rows I3 and I4, the carton C" of the carton row I5 substantially registers with the cartons C and C. It is important that the speed of travel of the conveyor I6 be synchronized with the speed of the rollers 30 and 3I so" that the carton rows are carried a distance equal to'one orrnore complete cartons before the next carton row is deposited thereupon. I

With reference now to'Figu're 90f the drawings, as 'thecarton A travels between the rollers I41 and I49 and is 'fedbetwee'n theroll'er's I52 and I53} these latter rollers are spaced apart by the rocker arms IEI and the cams I60 until the juncture'or weakened-line of separation I10 between carton A and carton B passes the rollers I41 and I49; The cam I60 then urges the'rollers I52 and I53 together, clamping the carton A therebetween. T

As noted in Figure 4 of the drawings, the gear I26Idriven by thegear I21 of the roller shaft I30 of roller I40 is'larger than theigear" I29 rotated thereby. As a result the rollers I52 and I53 which are geared together by gears I28 -andl l33 travel at a higher rate of speed than the rollers I41 and I49. As a result the carton A' is pulled away from the carton B and delivered by guide rollers I44 and I45 to the discharge conveyor I9. As the cartons B and B pass between the rollers I52 and I53 these rollers are spaced apart by the cam I60 until the line of separation I'II between cartons B and C andthe corresponding weakened line of separation I12 between cartons Bliand C" has passed'the rollers I41and I49. At

this point the cam I60 pivots the rocker arm. IIiI to urge the rollers I52 and I53 together; iThis action pulls the cartons B and B, away from the adjacent cartons. C and C". I Similarly as the cartons C, C and C" pass in superimposed rela-v tion between the rollers I52 and I53, the rollers are separated until the weakened lines of separa,-.

together and act to pull the cartonsq, C" and Cff from the next'adjacent cartons D; D and In a similarmanner the cartonsD, D and D" are separated along their we'ak'ened line's-0f con' nection I16, I11 and I19 from the adjacent cartons'nn' and E This completely separates the cartons oif row I3.

In the next operation the cartons E and E" are separated along their weakened lines of separation I80 and I 8| from the cartons F and F". 'I'hiscornpletely' separates the cartons of row I4. ln t'he final separating operation the carton F" is separated from the carton G" along the weak- This completely separates the cartons and deposits them upon the conveyor 19.

' lnFigure Biof the drawings we' disclose diaraminatically the' order in which the cartons are depositedl upon the discharge conveyor I9. This discharge conveyor preferably travels at a relativelyslowrate of speed so that the cartons are sta okedinvthe. order mentioned in overlapping relationship and in propersequence. r H V ,flhe cartons after removal from the conveyor I9 'may be stripped of waste stock if desired and m be s e n tacks pending the gluing epera- .tion.f The stacks. ,of j cartons are fed into the gluing mac'h'ine in the same order in which they are delivered frorn the cutting machine, thereby maintaining theglued cartons in proper sequence. Theglued cartons when delivered to the filling and sealing equipment are also maintained in the same'sequence and the cartons as they leave the filling and sealing equipment are placed into ship} pingcontainers. As a result shipping containers contain cartons of each type, rather than cartons of similar design; In the present arrangement the sheet "I5 isdivided into fifteen cartons all 'of which may'be'of different design if desired. The cartons are sealed and placed into shipping container's'. If'eachfshipping container hold's' fi'ften ca one; each "of the'c'artons are of difier'entide sign This 'f'aturefis of importance as it is essen tia'l that the' various designs be distributed in equal quantities tothe' storekeeper.

f It' will be" seenth'at our separating and sorting arrangement isfolf 'considerable value in placing thecar'tons n proper sequence. As the order-in whihthe cartons are deposited upon the con veyor19inay be'r'e'a'dily determined, it is possible that if the cartons are produced with five differ entdesigns instead of fifteen','the three plates of similar type' which are employed maybe properly locatedin the form so that the sequence remains the same. For example in the particular arrangement illustrated it is possible that'each fifth carton might-be of similar design, in which case the cartons A,:C and E would be of similar'de sign in order that the sequence of cartons repeat itself at relative intervals.

In accordance with the patent statutes, we have described'the principles of construction and operatior of our'she'e't separating and sorting device,

and while we have endeavored to 'set forth the best embodiment thereof, we desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be inade Within-thefs'copejof the following claims without departing'fron'r the spirit of our invention.

1m S parating apparatus including for rollers into and out of engagement with the sheet and operable upon engagement-with the sheet to separate one row of cartons from another row thereof, means arrangedin properly timed relation with said rollers for moving the rows of cartons one above the other in overlapping relation at right angles to the direction of movement thereof between said rollers,,a third set of rollers between which the cartons of each row extend, a fourth set of rollers in spaced parallel relation to said third set of rollers, means for driving said fourth set of rollers at a greater rateof speed than said third set of. rollers, means for moving the rollers of said fourthset toward and away from each other, said fourth set of rollers acting upon engagement with cartons passing therebetween to separate the overlapped individualcartons of each row one from another,

2. The structure described in claim .1 in which the means for movingthecartonsat right angles comprises a conveyor be'lt supported .on axes at substantially right angles to the axis of saidfirst named rollers.

3. Acarton separating apparatus for use in conjunction with a sheet of car-tons arranged in a plurality of rows both longitudinally and transversely of the sheet, the car-tons being separated by weakened lines of separation, the apparatus including a pair of rollers between which the sheet extends, said roller gripping the sheet, a

second set of rollers in parallel spaced relation to the first set, means for moving-the rollers of the second set into and out of engagement with the car-ton rows extending therebetwee-n, means for rotating the rollers of said second set in a speed in excess of the speed of the rollers of the. first set, continuously operable means for changing the direction of travel of the rows of -.ca rtons separated so that the individual cartons of each row follow consecutively, timing means connecting said continuously operable .meainsand said rollers, saidcontinuouslyoperable means moving at a speed to overlap said rows of cartons an amount equal to substantially-equal multiples'of the individual carton width, a pair of holding rollers between which the cartons of each row extend, a-second set-of rollers betweenwhich-the carton rows extend, isaid :lastnamed :second set of rollers "travelling at a speed in excess of the speedof the rollers-of the last mentioned first-:set, means for moving therollers of said last named second. :set into and out of engagement with the cartons, said last namedrollers fof the second set acting to separate the individual cartons of each row.

Ab -A carton separating apparatus for use in conjunction with a sheet 'of cartons having a series of :carton rows and a series of individual carton in each row, said cartons .andgrows bein separated by weakened lines of separation, the apparatus including two right 'angularly related sets of holding rollers arranged in spaced relation, a set of separating rollers in spaced adjacent relation to .eachset of holding rollers, means for rotating said fholding rollers and separating roller to apply tension to the sheet therebetween and means for directing the sheet through the first set of holding andseparating rollers .to tear the sheets along .parallellof ,said weakened lines of separation and thereby to separate the sheet into 'a series .oi rows,.said directing means delivering said rows in overlapped relation-and means for directing the carton rows-ina right-angular 1 2 relation with the cartons in consecutiveorder and the rows ,overlappedto the second set of holding and separatingrollers to tear the rows along the remaining weakened lines of separation and thereby to separate the individual cartons of each row, timing means connecting said last named directing means to said first set of rollers.

5. The structure described in claim 4 in which the carton rows moving between the first set of holding and separating rollers to the second set thereof individually change direction to move at right angles.

6. The structure described in claim 4 and including a conveyor onto which the carton rows aredeposited for movement toward the second set of clamping and holding rollers.

57. A sheet separating and sorting apparatus for use with a sheet divided into a series of sections arranged in a plurality of right angularly arranged rows connected along weakened lines of separation, the apparatus including a pair of separating units arranged in right angular relationship, each unit including .apair of holding rollers between which the sheet extends and a pair of separating rollers between which the sheet extends, the separating rollers of each unit being arranged to apply a tension to the sheet to tear apart the sections passing therebetween along weakened lines of separation between the separating roller and the holding rollers, and a continuously movable conveyor for conveying the rows of sections .from the first unit to the second unit, said oonveyormovin g ina direction at right angles to the direction of movement of the sections through said first unit, timing means connecting said rollers and said conveyor for moving said conveyor :at proper speed so that said rows of cartonsare deposited thereupon in overlapping relation with the overlapped sections being substantially one above the other.

8. Th'e'structuredescribed in claim '7 in which the conveyormovest-hesections substantially the width of one section before the next .row of sections i deposited thereupon.

9. The structure described in claim 7 in which a superimposed series of sections are simultaneously separated from next adjacent sections upon movement through said second unit.

10. A carton separating apparatus for use in conjunction with aisheet of cartons having a series of carton rows and a series of individual cartons in each row, .sa-id cartons and row being separated by weakened lines of separation, the apparatus including a first tension applying separating means, a drive means for moving the sheet of cartonsipast said separating means, said separating means applying tension to the sheet along parallel of :said weakened lines to separate the sheet by tearing into :a series of rows, a conveying means onto which said rows of cartons are delivered by said drive-means, timing means connecting said conveying means in timed relation tosaid drivemea'ns to move said carton rows a distance substantially equal to an equal multiple of carton widths between the time adjacent rows of cartons are separated from the sheet by said separating means, said drive means therebs depositing said carton rows in overlapped relation on said conveyor, and a second tension applying carton separating means in the path of movement of the overlapped rows of cartons on said conveyor, said second carton separating eans engaging the overlapped .rows of cartons on opposite sides of the remaining weakened 13 lines of separation and separating them by tearing into individual cartons.

11. The structure described in claim 10 and including a second drive means for driving the cartons past said second separating means.

NELS H. SANDBERG. HENRY O. RUNNING.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date,. I.

1,041,234 Blood Oct. 15,1912 1,098,508 Krauth June 2, 1914 1,171,011 Young Feb. 8, 1916 1,302,571 McAdams May 6, 1919 Number Number Name Date Winter -1 Dec. 11, 1923 Hitchcock Aug. 7, 1928 Dambacher Feb. 4, 1930 Balletti Jan. 19, 1932 Sullivan July 24, 1934 Spies July 4, 1939 Stolar et a1 Sept. 5, 1939 P'otdevin et a1 Feb. 27, 1940 Cormack July 30, 1940 Spiess July 15, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain May 5. 1927 Germany May 30, 1930 

